Easy-removal tamper-evident container liner

ABSTRACT

A liner for a container is provided. The liner provides sealing and tamper-evident features while also allowing a consumer to easily remove the liner to access the container contents. The liner comprises a sealing area located on one or both sides of the flat surface of the liner and configured to retain the liner in a secure position on a mouth of the container. The liner also comprises a plurality of perforations that penetrate at least one layer of the liner, wherein the plurality of perforations are configured to provide easier removal of the liner to access contents of the container. The plurality of perforation are formed with a rotary die cutter. A sealable container assembly comprises the container, the liner, and the closure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description relates generally to closing mechanisms forbottles, jars, and the like, and, more particularly to an easy-removaltamper-evident container liner.

BACKGROUND

A variety of products are sold in sealed packages as a security meansand/or to preserve freshness. For example, many food products,medicines, and cosmetics are sold in containers that have a freshnessseal or a two-portion removable security lock located around a perimeterof a reusable cap. If the consumer encounters a freshness seal ortwo-portion security lock that has been broken, the consumer can easilyascertain that someone might have tampered with the product.

To seal containers that hold products, liners are often semi-permanentlyprovided over an opening of the container. For example, most over thecounter medicines and nutritional supplements require a protective linerover the opening of the container in addition to the cap. In order toaccess the contents of the container, the liner must be removed orpeeled off the container. Thus, in one aspect, the liner serves toindicate that a container has not been previously opened or thattampering with the product has not occurred. In addition, liners mightbe provided and/or necessary on containers for certain products topreserve and ensure freshness of the contents contained therein. Forexample, salad dressing containers and spice containers are often madewith a screw-on top. Prior to using the product, the consumer mustunscrew the top, remove the protective seal, and then replace the screwon top for dispensing the container contents.

Although liners can be beneficial, removal of the liners by the consumercan be difficult and frustrating. For example, a consumer might use akitchen knife or other dangerous, sharp implement to peel off the linerin order to remove at least a portion of the liner to access thecontainer contents. Some designs have attempted to make the removal ofthe liner easier for the consumer. However, such designs are expensive,leading to increased packaging costs, which results in a direct increaseto the amount the consumer has to pay for the product sold in suchcontainers.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects inorder to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary isnot an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intendedto neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nordelineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An aspect relates to a liner for a container. The liner comprises asealing area located at an outer edge of a bottom surface of the liner.The sealing area is configured to retain the liner in a secure positionon a mouth of the container. The liner also comprises a plurality ofperforations that penetrate at least one layer of the liner. Theplurality of perforations are configured to assist removal of the linerto access contents of the container.

According to some aspects, the liner comprises a second layer void ofperforations, wherein the second layer is impenetrable by the contentsof the container when the liner is attached to the container. In someaspects, the plurality of perforations penetrate all layers of the linerto permit venting when the liner is attached to the container.

Another aspect relates to method that comprises creating one or moreperforations in a liner and seating the liner in a closure. The methodalso comprises operatively attaching the liner and the closure to acontainer and sealing the liner to the container. In accordance withsome aspects, creating the one or more perforations comprises utilizinga rotary cutting die. According to some aspects, the liner is removablethrough utilization of the one or more perforations.

According to some aspects, the creating comprises penetrating at leastone layer of the liner, wherein the liner comprises two or more layers.In accordance with some aspects, the creating comprises penetrating alllayers of the liner.

A further aspect relates to a sealable container assembly comprising aliner, a dispensing closure, and a container. The liner comprises anadhesive surface that bonds with an upper rim of the container. Theliner also comprises a perforation that extends through at least a firstlayer of the liner. The perforation is configured to tear the liner atthe perforation when pressure is applied on the liner near theperforation. The dispensing closure engages over the liner andoperatively connects to the container. The container comprises anopening defined by an upper rim, wherein contents of the container areaccessed through the opening.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or moreaspects comprise features hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims. The following description and annexeddrawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one ormore aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few ofvarious ways in which principles of various aspects may be employed.Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when considered in conjunction with thedrawings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all suchaspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sealable container assembly that comprises aneasy-removal tamper-evident container liner, according to an aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a liner showing one embodiment of aplurality of perforations that can be utilized with the disclosedaspects.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a liner comprising a differentperforation configuration, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates a liner comprising a perforation configuredsubstantially across the liner, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5 illustrates another liner having a different perforationconfiguration, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6 illustrates a liner having another perforation configuration,according to an aspect.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example closure that can be utilized with thedisclosed aspects.

FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the example closure that can beutilized, according to an aspect.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for producing a container assemblycomprising an easy open closing mechanism, according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofone or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate describing these aspects.

The disclosed aspects relate to rotary liner die cutting, wherein arotary die is utilized to cut or create one or more perforations on aliner. Another aspect relates to a liner for closures and/or containers,wherein the liner can be perforated to provide an easy removal of theliner and/or easy access to the container (and the container contents).

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a sealable container assembly100 that comprises an easy-removal tamper-evident container liner,according to an aspect. The sealable container assembly 100 comprises acontainer 102 (e.g., bottle, jar, and so forth) and a closing mechanismoperatively attached to the container 102. As illustrated, the closingmechanism comprises a seal or liner 104 that is configured to seal thecontainer 102 for safety purposes (e.g., seals the product within thecontainer, provides an indication that contents of the container mighthave been tampered with, and so forth). The liner 104 is also configuredto provide easy access to the container 102.

The container 102 can be any type of container and, in accordance withan aspect, is formed of a polymer material. The container 102 can alsobe any size, which can be selected as a function of contents or productthat is to be stored in the container 102. Examples, of containercontents can include solid or semi-solid contents including food items(e.g., spices, cookies, cereal, peanuts, grains, and so forth) andnon-food items, such as hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, nails, fasteners,screws) as well as other items (e.g., rock salt, grass seed, sand, andso on). In another example, the container contents can be liquid orsemi-liquid contents (e.g., water, orange juice, automotive oil, rubbingalcohol, and so forth). Other examples of container contents includemedicine (e.g., pharmaceutical products) and cosmetics. The containercontents that can be utilized with the sealable container assembly 100are endless and, therefore, will not be further discussed herein.

The container 102 comprises a mouth or opening 106 defined by an upperrim 108. Contents of the container 102 are accessed through the opening106. The liner 104 is configured to engage with the opening 106 in asealed or tamperproof or tamper-evident manner. The shape of the liner104 can be a function of the opening of the container, wherein the linershape is selected to allow the liner 104 to extend over the full extentof the opening 106 and the upper rim 108. In accordance with someaspects, the liner is shaped as a disc or another configuration.According to some aspects, the liner extends over (or covers) a neck ofthe container, which can include threads to which a dispensing closureoperatively engages.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 is made of a common linerstock, wherein the liner is configured to be used with a wide variety ofcontainers. For example, the liner material can be supplied as sheetstock. The sheet stock is punched into disks, which are glued ontocontainers to provide a tamper-evident seal. Utilization of a stock orcommon liner, in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein,provides a lower cost solution for ease of entry liners.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner can be manufactured utilizingvarious means. For example, the liner can be manufactured utilizingtechniques similar to the techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,702,015 entitled “Closure Seal for Container”, which is incorporatedby reference herein. According to some aspects, the liner can bemanufactured utilizing techniques similar to the techniques disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,860,544 entitled “Tamper-Evident Pull Tab InductionLiner with Improved Moisture Migration Resistance and Method of SealingWith Same”, which is incorporated by reference herein. However, variousother techniques can also be utilized to manufacture liners, accordingto various aspects.

The liner 104 comprises a flat surface that can have a top surface(e.g., the surface facing away from the container 102) and a bottomsurface (e.g., the surface facing toward the container 102). Along anouter edge of the bottom surface is a sealing area that bonds with theupper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, a sealing area can belocated on one or both sides of the flat surface and configured toretain the liner in a secure position on a mouth of the container. Theliner 104 is operatively attached or bonded to the container 102 (e.g.,container opening 106 or upper rim 108) through various means. Forexample, the liner 104 can comprise an adhesive surface that bonds withthe upper rim 108. In another example, the liner 104 can include a heatsensitive adhesive coating on the bottom surface. Other examples includepolyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), orother heat sealable materials that comprise a relatively low tensilestrength and/or a relatively low sheer strength.

The liner 104 can comprise a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., Nthlayer). Thus, a first layer can comprise the bottom surface of the liner104 and an Nth layer can comprise the top surface of the liner 104.According to some aspects, at least a first layer of the liner is formedof a waterproof material and a second layer is formed of a differenttype of material.

The liner 104 also comprises one or more perforations that areconfigured to allow a consumer to easily remove the liner to access thecontainer contents. The one or more perforations can be formed on atleast one layer of the liner through operation of a rotary die set,according to an aspect. According to some aspects, the perforationsextend through more than one layer of liner. In accordance with someaspects, the perforations extend through all layers of the liner.

The one or more perforations are created before the liner 104 isattached to the container 102. In accordance with some aspects, theperforations are formed utilizing rotary liner die cutting. An exampleof rotary die cutting apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,344,entitled “Method and Apparatus for Die Cutting a Web”, which isincorporated herein by reference. However, other rotary die cuttingapparatus can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

According to some aspects, the one or more perforations penetrate one ormore layers of the liner but do not penetrate all layers. For example,at least one layer of the liner is formed of a waterproof material and asecond layer is formed of foil, wherein the one or more perforations donot penetrate the second layer (e.g., the second layer is void ofperforations). However, in accordance with some aspects, the one or moreperforations penetrate multiple layers of the liner to permit venting ofthe liner when the liner is in a secure position on the container.

To operatively attach the liner 104 to the container 102, the liner 104is placed against the top of the container opening (or neck) and againstthe upper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, a closure (notshown) is attached to the container 102, over the liner 104. The cap orclosure can be utilized to apply downward pressure on the liner 104,pressing the liner 104 into contact with the container opening 106 andupper rim 108. In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104 is seatedin the closure before the closure is engaged with the container.

To facilitate removal of the liner 104, a consumer simply pressesdownward on the liner 104 and the liner 104 is configured to break away(or tear) at the perforations 112, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, theconsumer can easily punch through the liner 104 and peel off anyremaining portion of the liner 104 (e.g., portion sealed to thecontainer 102). The one or more perforations can comprise aconfiguration (or shaping) selected as a function of an amount of forceneeded to break through the liner 104 to access the contents within thecontainer 102. Additionally or alternatively, the one or moreperforations can have a number of perforations per inch selected as afunction of an amount of force needed to break though the liner 104 toaccess the container contents. At least one advantage of providingperforations where a liner can be easily broken (or removed) is that theperforations allow a consumer to use a finger or other blunt object(e.g., eraser of a pencil, and so forth) to remove the liner, asdesired. This can mitigate the need to use a knife or other sharp objectto remove the liner and access the contents. Thus, the disclosed aspectscan make it safer for children (and even adults) to remove the liner.

In accordance with some aspects, the liner comprises a printed portionlocated along a top surface, wherein the printed portion provides alocation of the plurality of perforations to facilitate tearing of theliner along or across the plurality of perforations. By including theprinted portion, a consumer that desires to access the containercontents can be made aware that he needs to simply press downward, intothe container, at a particular location on the liner in order to easilyremove the liner. For example, the printed portion can include the words“Press Here” or “Open Here”. Further, additional indications (e.g.,arrows, illustrations, and so forth) can be utilized to assist theconsumer in opening the container.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a liner 104 showing one embodiment of aplurality of perforations 200 that can be utilized with the disclosedaspects. In accordance with some aspects, the depth of the pluralityperforations 200 can be partial perforations that slightly penetrateinto the liner material or into one or more layers of the linermaterial, but not completely through all layers of the material.According to some aspects, the plurality of perforations 200 penetratethrough all layers of the liner material. The number of layers throughwhich the plurality of perforations 200 penetrate can be selected as afunction of the intended use of the container on which the liner 104 issealed. Further, the number of perforations per inch and/or theconfiguration of the plurality of perforations can be selected as afunction of the intended use of the container, the container contents,the liner material, and so forth. Thus, although the illustrated liner104 depicts perforations 200 that extend around about half thecircumference of the liner 104, the perforations 200 can extended aroundless than half the circumference or more than half the circumferenceaccording to various aspects.

For example, the intended use of the container is for consumers withdisabilities (e.g., arthritis) or other physical limitations that hinderthe use of the consumer's fingers. In this situation, the perforationscan extend through all layers of the liner material in order to makepuncturing though all layers of the liner material, with the aid of theperforations, easier for the consumer. In another example, if thecontainer contents need to breathe (e.g., the contents expel gas,scavenge oxygen or absorb the surrounding air or oxygen, and so forth),the perforations can extend through all layers of the liner material inorder to allow the contents to breathe. In accordance with some aspects,one or more perforations (but not all perforations) can extend throughall layers of the liner material, while other perforations extend onlythrough one or more layer of the liner material. According to anotheraspect, all the perforations can extend through one or more layers ofthe liner material. In accordance with some aspects, the liner 104comprises at least one layer comprised of foil, wherein the perforationsdo not penetrate the foil, which can help maintain seal integrity.According to some aspects, the perforations are configured to penetratethe foil.

According to some aspects, the liner 104 comprises one or more tabs 202(three of which are illustrated) located around an edge of the liner104. The tabs 202 extend outward, away from the liner 104 and thecontainer when the liner 104 is attached to the container. At least onetab can be pulled away from the container in an upward direction by theconsumer. Movement of the at least one tab at substantially the sametime as tearing of the liner along the plurality of perforations cancause the sealing area of the liner 104 to disengage from the container,providing easier access to the container contents. In accordance withsome aspects, the consumer can selectively utilize the tabs 202 andmight decide not to utilize the tabs but simply gain access to thecontainer contents by punching (or poking) through the liner at theperforation.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a liner 300 comprising a differentperforation configuration, according to an aspect. In this example, theliner 300 comprises perforations 302 located near a center of the liner300. The perforations 302 illustrated form a circle in the liner 300center, wherein the perforations 302 extend almost completely (or almost100%) around the liner to form a circle. To gain access to the containercontents, a consumer simply presses downward in the middle or center ofthe liner with a finger, pencil, or other device and breaks though theliner, wherein the perforations allow for ease of puncturing the linermaterial, which provides a liner having ease of entry into thecontainer. After pressing though the liner material, the user cancomplete the removal of the liner by exerting upward force on theremaining portions the liner (e.g., tearing off the remaining portion ofthe liner), which causes the seal portion of the liner to detach fromthe mouth of the container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a liner 400 comprising a perforation line 402configured substantially across the liner 400, according to an aspect.For example, the perforation line 402 can extend (vertically, as shown)from a first side 404 to a second side 406, substantially opposite thefirst side 404 of the liner 400. In accordance with some aspects, asecond perforation (not shown) can be configured to extend(horizontally) across the liner 400 and intersect the first perforationline 402 at about a middle portion of the liner 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates another liner 500 having a different perforationconfiguration, according to an aspect. In this example, there are twoperforation lines 502, 504 that are perpendicular and that extend from afirst side 506 of the liner 500 to a second (opposite) side 508 of theliner 500. According to some aspects, one or more tabs 510, 512, and514, are formed with the liner 500. In accordance with some aspects,more or fewer tabs are provided with the liner 500. The tabs 510, 512,514 are configured to extend outward from the liner 500 (and containerto which the liner 500 is attached). When a consumer wants to access thecontainer contents, the user can pull one of the tabs 510, 512, 514 awayfrom the container (e.g., in an upward motion). In an example, theselected tab can be tab 510, wherein pulling on the selected tab 510 canbreak a seal between the liner and the container, wherein theperforation lines 502, 504 can assists the consumer to easily remove theliner. As such, when the tab 510 is pulled, the pulling action causesthe liner 500 to tear along the perforation lines 502, 504.

In accordance with some aspects, the tabs are provided but are not usedby the consumer. For example, the seal between the liner and thecontainer might be a strong seal, wherein the liner cannot be easilyremoved from the container. In this example, the perforation can enablethe contents to be accessed by “ripping” or “tearing” the liner alongthe perforation, enabling the consumer to access the container contentseven though the seal is not broken. For example, the portion of theliner with the seal is still attached to the container mouth althoughother portions of the liner are removed, allowing the container contentsto be accessed through a mouth of the container.

FIG. 6 illustrates a liner 600 having another perforation configuration,according to an aspect. In this example, the perforation configurationcomprises a first segment 602, a second segment 604, and a third segment606. The segments 602, 604, 606 can be in a “Y” (or an inverted “Y”)format, according to an aspect. In this configuration, the pairs ofsegments (e.g., segment 602 and segment 604; segment 602 and segment606; and segment 604 and segment 606) each form angles of approximately120 degrees. In this configuration, when a consumer pushes downward onthe liner 600 (in a direction into the container), each segment 602,604, 606 of the perforation is configured to “tear” to allow theconsumer to easily remove the liner 600.

As illustrated, liner 600 can have tabs 608, 610, 612, according to anaspect. However, it should be understood that the various aspectsdisclosed herein can be formed without tabs. As discussed, the liner canbe made of common liner stock and configured for use with a plurality ofcontainers.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the sealable container assembly 100 can alsocomprise a closure (e.g., cap, lid, and so forth) that engages over theliner 104 and operatively connects to the container 102. A closure (notshown) can comprise screw threads that operatively engage withcomplementary screw threads on a neck 110 of the container 102 when theclosure is operatively placed over the container 102. In accordance withsome aspects, the liner 104 is seated in the closure before the closureis operatively engaged with the container.

Examples of closures 700, 800 that can be utilized with the sealablecontainer assembly 100 are illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. It shouldbe understood that the closures shown and described are for illustrationpurposes only and the disclosed aspects are not limited to theseclosures as other closures can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.Further, it should be noted that although the closures, container mouth,and/or liner are illustrated as having a generally circular geometricshape, the various aspects are not limited to this implementation. Inaccordance with some aspects, the closure, container mouth, and/or linercan have a different geometric shape (e.g., oval, oblong, and so on),which can be chosen a function of the container contents and/or theintended use of the container assembly.

The perforated liner and the closure can comprise a closure mechanism.For example, the liner can be a first seal and the closure can be asecond seal. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal can be acommon stock liner. According to some aspects, the first seal cancomprise an adhesive around at least a portion of an underside of aperiphery of the first seal for sealable engagement with a container.The first seal can also comprise at least one perforation though a firstlayer of the first seal, wherein the perforation is formed with a rotarydie. The second seal can comprise a body portion that includes an endwall, an orifice in the end wall, and a skirt that depends from the endwall for removable engagement with the container.

The first seal can be engaged between the second seal and the container.In accordance with some aspects, the first seal is operatively engagedwith a mouth of the container after contents are placed in the containerand the second seal is operatively engaged over the first seal and theskirt operatively engages an outer portion of the mouth of thecontainer. In accordance with some aspects, the first seal is seated inthe second seal before the second seal is operatively engaged with thecontainer.

In accordance with some aspects, at least one perforation extends thoughall layers of the first seal. The at least one perforation allows airflow out of or into the container when the first seal is in sealableengagement with (e.g., attached to) the container. In accordance withsome aspects, the first seal comprises a second layer that retainscontents of the container from escaping though the first seal when thefirst seal is in sealable engagement with the container. For example,the first layer comprises one or more perforations but a second (orsubsequent) layer does not have perforations. Thus, the second layer canbe void of perforations and, thus, can be configured to inhibit passageof fluids or other material (e.g., fine particles, such as salt) frompassing out of the container through the liner.

According to some aspects, the first seal can comprise at least one tablocated on an outer edge. The at least one tab can be configured tooperate at substantially the same time as the at least one perforationto provide for ease of removal of the first seal from the container.

In view of exemplary systems shown and described above, methods that maybe implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, will bebetter appreciated with reference to various flow charts. While, forpurposes of simplicity of explanation, methods are shown and describedas a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that theclaimed subject matter is not limited by the number or order of blocks,as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or at substantially thesame time with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implementmethods described herein. It is to be appreciated that functionalityassociated with blocks may be implemented by software, hardware, acombination thereof or any other suitable means (e.g. device, system,process, component, controller, injection molding machinery, and so on).Additionally, it should be further appreciated that methods disclosedthroughout this specification are capable of being stored on an articleof manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodsto various devices. Those skilled in the art will understand andappreciate that a method could alternatively be represented as a seriesof interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for producing a container assemblycomprising an easy open closing mechanism, according to an aspect.Method 900 starts, at 902, when one or more perforations are created ina liner. In accordance with some aspects, the one or more perforationscan be formed through utilization of a rotary die. A configuration ofthe one or more perforations and a number of perforations per inch canbe selected as a function of an amount of rupture force needed to breakaway (or punch through) the liner at the perforation.

The liner can be a common liner that is utilized with a variety ofcontainers. In accordance with some aspects, the liner can be aspecialty liner that is utilized with a limited number of containers.The liner can comprise a single layer or multiple layers, wherein theone or more perforations are created in the liner and penetrate thesingle layer, one or more of the multiple layers, or each of themultiple layers. For example, penetration of the single layer or each ofthe multiple layers by the perforation can allow the liner to vent(e.g., the perforation allows air to ingress or egress the container).In another example, creation (or penetration) of the one or moreperforations through only a portion of the layers can provide awaterproof seal or other seal through which container contents cannotescape.

At 904, the liner is seated in a closure. For example, the liner can beseated in a skirt of the closure. At 906, the liner seal and the closureare operatively attached to the container. In accordance with someaspects, the liner is operatively engaged with the mouth of thecontainer after contents are placed in the container and the closure isoperatively engaged over the liner and an outer portion of the mouth ofthe container. For example, complementary screw treads on a skirt of thedispensing closure and a neck of the container can be utilized to engagethe closure over the liner and to the container. In other examples, theclosure can be operatively attached to the container though otherattachment means. Engaging the closure over the liner (seated within theclosure) and onto the container can provide a hermetically closed seal.

At 908, the liner is sealed to the container. In accordance with someaspects, sealing the liner to the container can include bonding anadhesive surface, located on a bottom surface of the liner to an upperrim of a mouth of the container. The adhesive surface can besubstantially the same configuration as the upper rim, allowing theliner to be in removable engagement with the container.

When the liner is to be removed from the container to access contentsfrom the container, the liner can be removed, at 910, by means of theeasy entry perforations created in the liner. For example, a object,such as a finger can easily tear the liner at the perforations.

In accordance with some aspects, printing is placed on the liner beforethe one or more perforations are created. The printing can provideinformation to the consumer as to the presence of the perforations andthat the perforations allow the liner to be pushed into the mouth of thecontainer and for easier removal of the liner. After a portion of theliner is pushed into the mouth of the container, the remaining portionof the liner can be simply torn away from the container.

While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/orembodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modificationscould be made herein without departing from the scope of describedaspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims.Accordingly, described aspects are intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within scope ofappended claims. Furthermore, although elements of described aspectsand/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, theplural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitlystated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodimentmay be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/orembodiment, unless stated otherwise.

To the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term“or” as used in either the detailed description or the claims isintended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. Thatis, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by anyof the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs bothA and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the contextto be directed to a singular form.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” (andvariants thereof) is used to mean serving as an example, instance, orillustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended topresent concepts in a concrete manner.

1. A liner for a container, comprising: a sealing area located at anouter edge of a bottom surface of the liner and configured to retain theliner in a secure position on a mouth of the container; and a pluralityof perforations that penetrate at least one layer of the liner, whereinthe plurality of perforations are configured to assist removal of theliner to access contents of the container.
 2. The liner of claim 1,further comprising a second layer void of perforations, wherein thesecond layer is impenetrable by the contents of the container when theliner is attached to the container.
 3. The liner of claim 1, theplurality of perforations penetrate all layers of the liner to permitventing when the liner is attached to the container.
 4. The liner ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of perforations comprise a configurationselected as a function of an amount of force needed to break through theliner to access the contents within the container.
 5. The liner of claim1, wherein the plurality of perforations have a number of perforationsper inch selected as a function of an amount of force needed to breakthrough the liner to access the contents within the container.
 6. Theliner of claim 1, wherein the plurality of perforations are formed onthe at least one layer of the liner through operation of a rotary dieset.
 7. The liner of claim 1, wherein the liner is made of a commonliner stock and configured for use with a plurality of containers. 8.The liner of claim 1, further comprising at least one tab extending awayfrom the liner, wherein the at least one tab is pulled away from thecontainer in an upward direction and wherein movement of the at leastone tab and tearing of the liner along the plurality of perforationscauses the sealing area to disengage from the container, providingaccess to the contents within the container.
 9. The liner of claim 1,further comprising a printed portion located along a top of the liner,wherein the printed portion provides a location of the plurality ofperforations to facilitate tearing of the liner along the plurality ofperforations.
 10. A method, comprising: creating one or moreperforations in a liner; seating the liner in a closure; operativelyattaching the liner and the closure to a container; and sealing theliner to the container.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the creatingcomprises utilizing a rotary cutting die to create the one or moreperforations.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the creating comprisespenetrating at least one layer of the liner, wherein the liner comprisestwo or more layers.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the creatingcomprises penetrating all layers of the liner.
 14. The method of claim10, further comprising employing a stock liner.
 15. The method of claim10, wherein the liner is removable through utilization of the one ormore perforations.
 16. A sealable container assembly, comprising: aliner comprising: an adhesive surface that bonds with an upper rim of acontainer; and a perforation that extends through at least a first layerof the liner and configured to tear the liner at the perforation whenpressure is applied on the liner near the perforation; and a closurethat engages over the liner and operatively connects to the container,wherein the container comprises an opening defined by the upper rim,wherein contents of the container are accessed through the opening. 17.The sealable container assembly of claim 16, the liner comprises asecond layer that is void of perforations to inhibit passage of thecontents from the container through the opening.
 18. The sealablecontainer assembly of claim 16, wherein a configuration of theperforation and a number of perforations per inch are selected as afunction of an amount of rupture force needed to tear the liner at theperforation.
 19. The sealable container assembly of claim 16, whereinthe perforation is formed through utilization of a rotary die.
 20. Thesealable container assembly of claim 16, the liner further comprises atleast one tab extending away from the liner, wherein the at least onetab is configured to assist removal of the liner from the container byoperating in conjunction with the perforation.